FORTUNE FAVOURS HER

Episode12

Back at home, I sit on my bed contemplating the day's events. Why take me to a fight ring when it's my intellectual ability they need? I hope they didn't find anything in that background research I tried to bury away. I lay down on my bed and look at the envelope of money I was handed. It contains about 5,000 euros, more than what I could have earned in a month at the DA. I should probably get in touch with Oliver. Albert is damn good at his job, he made the messages sound as if it was me typing.

My phone pulls me out of my thoughts. I turn around and see the phone ringing on the table. I stretch out to grab it.

"Hello, darling," I say.

"Hello," says Oliver.

"I'm guessing you saw my email," I say, even though it's not me who sent the email. "Weekend getaway to Naples."

"Yeah, I saw it," he replies, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I was a bit surprised, but it's a great idea. We could use the break."

I feel a pang of guilt, knowing the real reason behind this sudden trip. "I've been feeling the same way. Just us, no work, no distractions," I say, trying to keep my tone light and carefree.

"Sounds perfect," he says. "I can't wait to spend some quality time together."

"Me too," I reply, my mind already racing with plans on how to keep my double life hidden from him. "I'll start packing. See you soon?"

"See you soon," Oliver says before hanging up.

I stare at the phone for a moment, then at the envelope of money. This weekend is a chance to regroup and figure out my next move. I just hope I can keep Oliver safe while thinking about my new job.

"Your calls with him are getting shorter," says Albert, standing in the door frame, his presence unexpected and unsettling.

I sit up, clutching the phone tightly. "What do you want, Albert?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

He steps into the room, his eyes cold and calculating. "Just checking in on you.''

"He's not a distraction," I retort, anger simmering beneath the surface. "He's my life outside of this mess."

Albert's lips curl into a faint, mocking smile. "There is no 'outside' anymore, Miss Collins. Not for you."

I stand up, squaring my shoulders. "I can handle my personal life and this job," I insist. "I won't let Oliver get in the way of what needs to be done."

"Let's hope so," Albert says, his tone soft but menacing. "Remember, Mr. Carnevale is watching. We're all watching."

He turns to leave, but pauses at the door. "Pack for your trip. Make it convincing. And don't forget, we're just a call away if anything... unexpected happens."

As he exits, I let out a shaky breath, the reality of my situation settling in once more. I glance back at the envelope of money and the phone, knowing that every move I make is being scrutinized. My double life is more precarious than ever, and I need to play my cards right to keep Oliver safe and fulfil my obligations to Mr Carnevale. I start packing my bag, my mind racing with plans and contingencies.

''Pizza is here,'' yells Albert from across the apartment, his food choices aren't good for my diet plan.

"Great," I mumble half-heartedly. The aroma of pizza wafts through the air, tempting me despite my resolve to stick to a healthier diet. It's just one of the many compromises I've had to make since entering this dangerous game.

I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the suitcase packed with clothes for a weekend that feels more like an escape than a vacation. Naples will provide a brief respite from the chaos, but I know that the peace won't last long.

With a sigh, I rise from the bed and make my way to the kitchen, where Albert is already serving up slices of pizza. Despite my reluctance, I grab a plate and take a slice, the savoury scent overwhelming my senses.

As I take a bite, I can't help but wonder what awaits me in Naples. Will it be a chance to reconnect with Oliver and temporarily forget the dangers that lurk in the shadows? Or will it be yet another stage for Mr. Carnevale's game, a test of my loyalty and resolve?

Only time will tell. But for now, all I can do is savour the taste of the pizza and prepare myself for whatever comes next.

I eat in silence on my bed as I scroll through videos on my computer. But what Albert said earlier is lingering in my head. I reach out for my phone and call Oliver. It rings the first the second and then he picks up on the third. ''Hello again,'' I say.

"Hey there," Oliver's voice comes through the line, warm and familiar. "Everything alright? You sound a bit... distant..... earlier."

I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts before replying. "Yeah, everything's fine," I say, trying to sound more upbeat than I feel. "Just wanted to hear your voice, that's all."

There's a brief silence on the other end of the line, and I can almost hear Oliver's concern through the phone. "Well, I'm glad you called," he says finally. "I also felt that way.''

I smile at his words,'' I wanted to ask you to pick for me some bikinis from my house, also,'' I say teasingly, ''and maybe other bedroom staff and toys.''

''What colour,'' he says with a chuckle.

''What is your favourite colour on me,'' I say teasingly.

Oliver's laughter fills the line, a welcome sound that eases the tension in my chest. "You know I love you in anything, darling, as if it will stay on for long" he replies, his voice warm with affection. "But if I had to choose, I'd say that deep blue brings out the sparkle in your eyes."

A smile tugs at my lips as I imagine his face, his eyes lighting up with genuine fondness. "Deep blue it is, then," I say, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. "Surprise me with your picks, I trust your judgment."

"I won't disappoint," Oliver assures me, his voice tinged with excitement. "Just a few more hours, and we'll be soaking up the sun in Naples."

As we exchange a few more words, I feel a sense of reassurance wash over me. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, knowing that Oliver is there for me brings a sense of comfort that I desperately need. With him by my side, I feel ready to face whatever the future holds.

''You will probably arrive before me,'' I say,'' I will meet you at the resort tomorrow afternoon look delicious for mama''

"I'll be counting down the minutes," Oliver replies, his tone filled with anticipation. "I'll make sure to save all my deliciousness for your arrival."

''I hope you're not using the company phone for this call,'' I say as I laugh,'' it would be funny to have our voices in the database.''

Oliver chuckles on the other end of the line. "Don't worry, darling," he says, his voice light with amusement. "I've got my personal phone for our clandestine conversations. Wouldn't want to give the company any more reason to keep an eye on us, now would we?"

I join in his laughter, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Absolutely not," I reply, playfully. "Our secrets are meant to be just between us."

As we exchange a few more lighthearted remarks, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this moment of connection amidst the chaos of my double life.